Definition and Context

Servitude and submission are themes that permeate the biblical narrative, reflecting both the human condition and the divine order. In the biblical context, servitude often refers to the state of being a servant or slave, while submission denotes yielding to authority or the will of another. These concepts are explored in various relationships, including those between humans and God, within societal structures, and in familial settings.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, servitude is a common social institution. The Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," can mean both a slave and a servant, depending on the context. The Israelites' experience in Egypt is a foundational narrative of servitude, where they were subjected to harsh slavery. Exodus 1:13-14 states, "They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them